Nicholas Claes
Winter Garden,FL
Summary
Accomplished Locomotive Engineer with Bombardier/Alstom, skilled in locomotive operation and safety compliance. Demonstrated expertise in emergency response and effective communication, ensuring timely deliveries and passenger safety. Recognized for enhancing operational efficiency through meticulous pre-trip inspections and proactive problem-solving, contributing to a seamless rail experience.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Locomotive Engineer,(DSLE), Train Conductor
Bombardier/Alstom
Sanford, FL
01.2018 - Current
- Operated locomotives according to strict delivery and route schedules.
- Communicated via radio with other engineers regarding traffic issues on shared tracks.
- Interpreted train orders, signals and regulations governing locomotive operation and maintenance.
- Managed safe operation of train by monitoring weather conditions, track switches, and signal lights.
- Assisted in coupling and uncoupling cars from train as needed.
- Responded promptly to signals from railroad dispatchers regarding changes in route or schedule.
- Prepared reports noting accidents, signal issues, unscheduled stops and delays to streamline future performance.
- Stopped train at designated points along route according to schedule.
- Followed emergency procedures if derailment or other accidents occurred while operating train.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections of the engine, brakes, and other systems before each trip.
- Conducted movement of rail cars and overall train and completed or verified air couplings and electrical connections between locomotives.
- Prepared reports documenting locomotive issues.
- Manually controlled throttles and air brakes for electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric engines.
- Conducted brake checks and general inspections before work.
- Operated locomotive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
- Performed train inspections, tests and procedures, completed associated paperwork and identified and documented train equipment defects.
- Followed applicable safety procedures in responding to emergency conditions and breakdowns.
- Provided on-board announcements regarding stops, delays, and transfers.
- Upheld tight deadlines for delivery of freight and arrival of passengers.
- Interpreted various signals to start, stop and back-up train or set and release air brakes.
- Operated switches and signals in accordance with established procedures.
- Conducted periodic equipment inspections during trips to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Operated trains, adhered to route plans and maintained operations and repair schedules.
- Communicated with other personnel via radio or telephone while on duty.
- Operated controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
- Responded to customer inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Announced route destinations and changes via PA systems.
- Observed yard traffic to determine track availability to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
- Received and followed directions from train dispatchers.
- Coupled air brakes and electrical connections between trains.
- Verified accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to depart on time.
- Motivated members to provide first-rate performances by applying honed skills and experience.
- Reported any irregularities or malfunctions to the engineer or supervisor immediately.
- Provided first aid assistance when needed until medical personnel arrived.
- Assisted passengers with boarding and disembarking the train safely.
- Monitored track conditions for obstructions or signal problems along the route.
- Assisted disabled passengers by providing appropriate accommodations.
- Performed emergency and regular maintenance on rail cars and trains during, before and after trips to optimize functionality.
- Directed crew members by employing flag or hand signals, lantern and radio communications.
- Collaborated with other crew members during emergency situations.
- Maintained accurate records of onboard activities such as ticket sales and passenger counts.
- Inspected trains for safety hazards or issues prior to departure.
- Read and interpreted pieces in order to determine correct approaches.
- Checked tickets, collected fares, and issued change to passengers.
- Observed train movement to ascertain functionality.
- Enforced company policies related to conduct, security, and fare collection.
- Performed pre-trip inspections of locomotives and cab cars.
- Ensured that all operating rules were followed at all times.
- Used hand signals to alert engineers of emergencies, stops or starts, train movement and general directions.
- Verified that all doors were closed properly before departure from each station.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with workplace safety regulations by providing training sessions for all staff members.
- Facilitated training sessions for new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and setting individual goals.
Passenger Conductor
Orlando & Northwestern Railway
01.2017 - Current
- Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Review instructions from dispatchers, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew
- Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
- Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
- Read and understand bulletins and notices
- Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
- Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars
- Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
- Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
- Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.)
Security Officer
Orlando Health
01.2014 - 01.2018
- To ensure the safety of the employees and the guest
- To ensure the protection of company and guest property
- To protect the company against Fraud, theft, and damage
Trainman, Breakman, Conductor
Tavares, Eustis, & Gulf Railroad
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Review instructions from dispatchers, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew
- Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
- Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
- Read and understand bulletins and notices
- Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
- Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars
- Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
- Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
- Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.)
Security Officer Nemours Children’s Hospital
Allied Barton Security
01.2014 - 12.2014
- To ensure the safety of the employees and the guest
- To ensure the protection of company and guest property
- To protect the company against Fraud, theft, and damage
Seasonal Helper
United Parcel Service
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Assists the driver in delivering and picking up packages from customers
Security Officer
Walt Disney World Resorts and park
01.2009 - 12.2013
- To ensure the safety of the employees and the guest
- To ensure the protection of company and guest property
- To protect the company against Fraud, theft, and damage
- Been placed in charge of two specialized road closures teams
Maintenance Management Specialist
United States Marine Corps.
01.2005 - 12.2009
- To keep the readiness reports of the equipment current and up-to-date
- Oversee and manage all maintenance
- Keep track of damage equipment and status of the repairs and parts needed for the reports
- Keep the commanding officer up-to-date on the condition of the equipment, repairs needed, and the overall readiness of the unit
Conductor/Museum Guide
Hesston Steam Museum
01.1998 - 12.2005
- To provide the public with knowledge of steam railroads
- Restoration of railroad equipment
- Oversee the safety of the passengers, crew, and train operations
- To guide the public around museum grounds to provide them general knowledge of steam operations
- In charge of restoring and maintaining passenger coaches, organizing the station for passengers safety and crowd control
- Helped restore steam locomotives, track repair
Education
High School Diploma -
Perrysburg High School
Perrysburg, Ohio01.2005
Skills
- Locomotive operation
- Signal interpretation
- Safety compliance
- Pre-trip inspections
- Emergency procedures
- Equipment maintenance
- Customer service
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Crew coordination
- Regulatory compliance
- Situation awareness
- Performance reporting
- Team building
- Territory terrain
- Continuous learning mindset
- Technical report writing
- Emergency response
- Safety rules and regulations
- Passenger safety awareness
- Train control apparatus tests
- Locomotive troubleshooting
- Locomotive inspections
- Railroad regulations
- Railroad signaling understanding
- Incident management
- Route planning proficiency
- Brake control operation
- Train operation expertise
- Emergency response preparedness
- On-board inspections
- Equipment inspection
- Passenger trains
- Department of transportation regulations
- Conflict resolution
- Safety procedures
- Mechanical evaluation
- Physical strength
Hobbies and Interests
- Outdoor Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Camping
- Hiking
- White Water Rafting
- Cycling
- Traveling
- Photography
References
- James Griffin, Locomotive Engineer, 239-666-5535
- Nicole Rubino Ramos, Senior Director of Sales, Encore, 407-394-4656
- Joe Rubino, PMP, Applications Programmer, Cim-Tech.com Inc. 407-758-6531
- David Stall, , 716-861-5402,
- Ted Rita, General Manager, Hesston Steam Museum, 269-449-7391
Certification
- Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers
- Train Service Engineer 49 CFR 240.127
- Train Conductor 49 CFR 242.207
Affiliations
- Marine Corps. Good Conduct Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Iraq Campaign Medal (w/1 Bronze Star)
- Global War On Terrorism
- National Defense Medal
- Meritorious Mast
- Certificate Of Appreciation
- Letter Of Appreciation
Timeline
Locomotive Engineer,(DSLE), Train Conductor
Bombardier/Alstom
01.2018 - Current
Passenger Conductor
Orlando & Northwestern Railway
01.2017 - Current
Security Officer
Orlando Health
01.2014 - 01.2018
Trainman, Breakman, Conductor
Tavares, Eustis, & Gulf Railroad
01.2014 - 01.2017
Security Officer Nemours Children’s Hospital
Allied Barton Security
01.2014 - 12.2014
Seasonal Helper
United Parcel Service
01.2013 - 12.2014
Security Officer
Walt Disney World Resorts and park
01.2009 - 12.2013
Maintenance Management Specialist
United States Marine Corps.
01.2005 - 12.2009
Conductor/Museum Guide
Hesston Steam Museum
01.1998 - 12.2005
High School Diploma -
Perrysburg High School
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